Local TV Host Huell Howser To Hang Up His Mic
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — He might be a Tennessee native, but Huell Howser is as tied to Southern Californian as the Hollywood sign.
The white-haired host recently announced that he was hanging up his mic and retiring from the local airwaves.
His "California's Gold" on KCET has been a staple on local TV for decades.
Suraya Fadel, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, went to Chapman University where Howser just donated his television archive and his library of 1,500 books.
He also reportedly donated one of his homes, according to Fadel.
After a stint reporting for the station that is now CBS2, Howser worked as weekend anchor and reporter for "Entertainment Tonight." He branched out in 1985 and started his various PBS shows.
Through it all, Howser kept his folksy, aw-shucks demeanor.
"Simpsons" creator Matt Groening (a fan) even created a Howser-like reporter character in 2005 as a tribute. "The Simpsons" Howell Huser has appeared in at least two episodes.
The Sacramento Bee said Howser was retiring due to health concerns.
For a link to Howser's site, "California Gold" and Huell Howser Productions, click here.
